MacOS Mojave can't update after a full drive reset - "Could not connect to server"

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MacOS Mojave can't update after a full drive reset - "Could not connect to server"

I recently wiped the hard drive of my MacBook Pro and reinstalled the OS on a clean drive. It installed Mojave.

Once I had created an account and signed-in for the first time I went straight to update to Big Sur.

It also says that there are other updates available, but I get the same message when trying to install those.

I've been through several other guides on how to fix this - resetting the PRAM, trusting certificates... no change. I can install apps from the App Store (specifically, OneNote) and there's certainly no problem in getting general internet access. I just cannot get this update.

Can anyone help me?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Mar 21, 2021 4:27 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BDAqua

Level 10

245,579 points

Mar 21, 2021 11:12 AM in response to awj100

Make a New Location, Using network locations in Mac OS X ...

System Preferences>Network, top of window>Locations>Edit Locations, little plus icon, give it a name.

System Preferences>Network, click on the little gear at the bottom next to the + & - icons, (unlock lock first if locked), choose Set Service Order.

The interface that connects to the Internet should be dragged to the top of the list.

Sys Prefs>Network>highlight the Interface you're using>Advanced>TCP/IP>Configure IPv4: Using DHCP.

If using Wifi, instead of joining your Network from the list, click the WiFi icon at the top, and click join other network. Fill in everything as needed.

System Preferences>Network>choose interface>Advanced>Proxies Tab, make sure none are set, like for HTTP & HTTPS.

System Preferences>Network, unlock the lock if need be, highlight the Interface you use to connect to Internet, click on the advanced button, click on the DNS tab, click on the little plus icon, then add these numbers...

8.8.8.8

8.8.4.4

1.1.1.1

9.9.9.9

Apply.

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Answer 2

awj100 Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 21, 2021 11:03 AM in response to BDAqua

Hi BDAqua,

Can you explain what you mean?

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Answer 3

awj100 Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 21, 2021 11:24 AM in response to BDAqua

This seems to have worked:

If using Wifi, instead of joining your Network from the list, click the WiFi icon at the top, and click join other network. Fill in everything as needed.

It's downloading now. Many thanks, BDAqua.

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